“It was like the second I got up there, I knew that was where I would be for a long time,” said Izzy Keslar.
Greater Latrobe senior Izzy Keslar remembers the first time she stepped on stage. She was nine years old, performing in a small Christmas play at the Diamond Theatre in Ligonier, Pennsylvania. The character role may have been minor, but the moment was monumental for the young performer.
Keslar’s love for the arts was sparked by her mom, Allison, a teacher at Baggaley Elementary School. Growing up, the pair would attend shows that Mrs. Keslar’s students were a part of. The young student remembers her favorite performance, The Lion King. Seeing the magic unfold, Izzy wanted to join in on the experience.
The aspiring star grew up constantly singing around the house, though acting was her entry point to the industry. “It was singing that drew me in at first, but I decided to act until my voice improved. As time went on, I relied on singing more too,” Keslar said.
Her passion for musical theatre is evident in her love for Hairspray! Keslar exclaims that the movie is her favorite one ever. “My mom and I always watch the movie whenever I’m feeling sad or any strong emotion,” said Keslar.
With Hairspray being a pick me up, Izzy was able to take on her fears. Despite a battle with anxiety, going on stage was the one thing Izzy says never scared her. “If anything, getting on stage actually healed the anxiety that I had beforehand,” Keslar said.
Throughout her time as a performer, Izzy has gained several inspirations from her directors and teachers. “Dr. Krack has been in a ton of shows, and every time he talks about them, I think, ‘That’s so cool. I want to take the information he’s given me and use it,’” she said.
Izzy’s preparation for performances involves a mix of ritual and reflection. Using a breathing technique her director taught her seconds before going on stage is one way she gets in the zone. “My best friend Sophia and I have a handshake we do before every show.” The handshake is inspired by a warm-up handshake from High School Musical, followed by what the girls call a “hand hug.”
Izzy also remembers to take time to herself before taking the stage. “Sometimes when you’re with too many people beforehand, you get all messed up. So, I like to take some space to myself and remember that I’m doing this to have fun and make other people enjoy the show,” she said.
Her friendship with Sophia Bulava has been one of the most cherished parts of her theater journey. “One thing I love about our friendship is that when one of us gets something, the other feels like they got it too,” she said. From Sophia being crowned homecoming queen to Izzy earning a lead role, the pair felt as if the other received the same. “There’s never been a sense of competition, just genuine happiness for each other.” Keslar credits the drama program for the long lasting friendship,“I don’t know how I would have met her otherwise.”
Among her favorite roles, playing Amy March in Little Women during her sophomore fall play stands out. Due to the cast size being relatively small, she says, “It felt like an actual family.”
From her sophomore musical, Pippin, to The Wizard of Oz her junior year, several changes were noted. She went from having a main role, to playing a flying monkey and a tree. However, Izzy enjoyed the stunt work and mechanics of the monkey as well as the symbolism of the tree. During her junior year, she learned how to tap dance just for her role in The Wizard of Oz. “It was hard, but it paid off,” the performer said.
Now, she is taking on the challenge of playing Ariel Moore in Footloose, a character quite different from her own personality. “I usually play sweet, grown-up roles, but Ariel is rebellious and fun. It’s a big challenge, but so much fun,’ she said.
Portraying such a different character has been one of her biggest challenges yet. “I’ve never played a character like this before,” she exclaims. Izzy has been having genuine conversations with her director about her mannerisms and acting choices to bring this character to life. “I also watched the movie a lot, not to imitate, but to get a feel for the character,” said Keslar.
For Izzy, the most rewarding moment of any performance is curtain call. “Taking a bow is one of the best feelings ever. A full auditorium of people who really enjoyed what you did, it’s just such a surreal moment. I wish I could just stand there for ten minutes and take it all in.”
As she prepares to head to Slippery Rock University, majoring in exercise science and chiropractic studies, Izzy knows theater will always be a part of her life. “The school I’m going to has a great theater program, and Sophia and I are going to the same school, so we might do it together,” she said.
Her love for music extends beyond performing, as she deeply admires Taylor Swift. “Her lyrics are so genuine and deep. No matter how I’m feeling, I can find a song of hers that matches my emotions. My favorite album is ‘Evermore’ because it’s really emotional, and it helped me through a tough season in my life,” she said.
Through it all, Izzy’s biggest supporter has been her mom. “She gets so excited every time I get a part. My whole family is supportive, but my mom, especially, is always there, cheering me on,” she said.
Izzy Keslar’s journey in theater has shaped her in more ways than one. From a young girl with a small role in a Christmas play to a confident performer who embraces every challenge, she has found a passion that will stay with her for years to come.
